Is there a word for every 4 months?

The Quarterly Conundrum: Is There a Word for Every Four Months?

We’re all familiar with “quarterly,” which generally evokes the idea of something happening every three months. It’s neatly tied to the calendar year, divided into four tidy portions. But what if an event occurs four times a year, just not in those conveniently spaced three-month intervals? Is there a specific word to describe something that happens every four months, regardless of its alignment with the traditional quarterly calendar?

The simple answer is: not really.

While “quarterly” technically implies four occurrences a year, its common usage leans heavily towards the three-month definition. To use it for something happening every four months, even though mathematically correct, could lead to confusion. Imagine, for example, a report issued in January, May, July, and November. This report appears four times a year, satisfying the ‘four occurrences’ criterion. However, calling it a “quarterly report” might mislead someone into expecting it in January, April, July, and October, aligning with the conventional calendar quarters.

So, what are our alternatives? The most straightforward approach is often the most effective:

• “Four times a year”: This is clear, unambiguous, and leaves no room for misinterpretation. It’s descriptive and eliminates any potential confusion associated with “quarterly.”

• “Four-monthly”: While not a formally recognized word, “four-monthly” is sometimes used and understood, especially in technical contexts. However, its unfamiliarity can also lead to hesitation and require clarification.

• Descriptive Phrases: You can also use more descriptive phrases to define the schedule explicitly. For instance, “published four times a year, in January, May, July, and November” provides complete clarity.

The issue stems from the deeply ingrained association of “quarterly” with the three-month divisions of the year. While etymologically it simply means “happening four times a year,” its practical application is almost universally understood as pertaining to the standard calendar quarters.

Therefore, when needing to describe events or reports occurring every four months but not aligning with traditional quarters, it’s best to avoid “quarterly” and opt for clearer, more descriptive alternatives. Avoiding ambiguity ensures effective communication and prevents any potential misunderstandings regarding the schedule. The absence of a single, perfect word in this situation highlights the importance of precision and clarity in language, especially when dealing with schedules and frequencies.